Just Ask Terry

I was doing some yardwork this weekend and ended up with a pinched nerve in my back.

Q. Dear Terry, “I was doing some yardwork this weekend and ended up with a pinched nerve in my back. It is quite painful and I want to address this naturally. Are there any supplements that might help?” — Byron T., Des Moines, IA

A. Dear Byron, When it comes to addressing pain, I would recommend these four ingredients: highly absorbable curcumin, boswellia, DLPA, and nattokinase. Each ingredient works in a slightly different manner to help get you comfortable as quickly as possible. I advise taking these four ingredients three times daily.

I believe you would also benefit greatly by taking a combination of nutrients including B vitamins, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, and zinc, among others. B vitamins (B1-B3, B6, B12, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid) help nerves function better, delay damage to nerves, and reduce the frequency and intensity of the pain symptoms. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can boost levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants, which helps protect delicate nerves from oxidative damage. Current research also shows that ALA can help to reduce the pain and tingling symptoms. Extremely effective as an antioxidant, zinc, helps to promote tissue and wound healing. When looking for nutrients, choose B vitamins in their “active” forms, as well as minerals in the form of amino acid chelates. Active B vitamins do not need to be converted in the liver and are already in the effective form our body needs. This is important because many people (some experts estimate up to 30% of our population) do not convert B vitamins well, and don’t receive full benefits. I also prefer the amino acid chelates for minerals, because they are so much better absorbed. I recommend taking these ingredients three times daily.